A Florence man died while lighting a commercial-grade firework during a Fourth of July celebration, per the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.
Brian Simpson, 48, was found dead at the 200 block of Melinda Lane in Florence around 10:30 p.m. by deputies.
According to deputies, Simpson attempted to light a commercial-grade firework by means of a homemade mortar tube.
The instant ignition firework was designed to be electronically detonated. Simpson cut the firework’s wick in half and then proceeded to light. As it was lit, it immediately exploded, causing the fatal injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and was assisted at the
scene by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives, Florence Fire
Department Investigation Team and Boone County Coroner’s Office.